Conservation efforts for the Orange-bellied Parrot (Neophema chrysogaster) began in the 1980s and since 1994 they have been bred at Healesville Sanctuary, both as an insurance population (in case the species goes extinct in the wild) and for re-introduction to the wild.

Due to very low numbers of adults in the wild (currently estimated less than 50), the captive breeding program is a central element of the overall recovery strategy for this critically endangered parrot.

Currently, the reproductive success of captive birds is lower than that of wild Orange-bellied Parrots, and this limits the potential of the captive population to support recovery in the wild.

Aims

To investigate the reproductive behaviour and success of captive Orange-bellied Parrots in comparison with wild birds and new founder birds (i.e. captive birds that are of wild origin). This knowledge should help us improve reproductive output and survival of birds in captivity.

Methods

Over three breeding seasons at Healesville Sanctuary, we will collect data on: